He may not fit the typical profile of a No. 1 receiver, but Patriots wideout Julian Edelman has been an effective and consistent playmaker for New England -- averaging 89 receptions, 956 yards and five touchdowns over the past four seasons.

Despite Edelman's production on the field and the overall proficiency of New England's offense, the Patriots' receiving corps has received some criticism in the days leading up to Super Bowl LI.

Former Pro-Bowl wideout Keyshawn Johnson gave his thoughts on the Patriots' unconventional receivers on 92.9 "The Fan" in Atlanta last week, labeling most of the group as system receivers.

"When you see guys that fail and play for other teams at the receiver position, they can go to New England and excel and everybody goes, "Oh my God, Oh my God, these receivers are top of the game.' Well, they couldn't excel with other teams because of the system," Johnson said. "If they were on other teams right now, they probably wouldn't be on the 53-man roster."

"I'm not worried about what people are saying, I'm worried about what people are doing," Edelman said. "Week in and week out, we ignore noise and just try to hunker down on preparation and on going out and trying to play our best games on Sundays."

While Edelman mostly remained mum on the topic, Patriots safety Duron Harmon backed up his teammates when Giardi asked him during Opening Night.

"Whether he thinks our receivers wouldn't crack a 53 or not, I'm taking my receivers over a lot of receivers because they come up and make big plays in big moments each and every week,"Harmon said, adding: "They study. They prepare. I love our receivers. I love competing against them. They help me get better. So whatever as far as what Keyshawn has to say, he has his opinion but I know what I see."